From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

on

In writings about pre-revolutionary Rochester, there is little mention of any celebrations. This is understandable as settlers were busy creating homes and farms out of pasturage, bogs and forests. In addition, the Pilgrim, Puritan ethos meant that most celebrations centered around the church.

            After the war things began to change and in 1793, the tenth anniversary of the end of the Revolutionary War was cause for a town celebration. From that time on, articles in our files show that residents were happy to turn out to celebrate town milestones, such as the 200th and 250th anniversaries of Rochester’s founding. Because Rochester began as a town whose land area included today’s Mattapoisett, Marion and a significant portion of Wareham, all these towns were included in both the planning and celebrating.

            A few years prior to 1879, it was voted at Rochester Town meeting that James S. Luce, Esq. should copy the old Proprietors’ records. The Proprietors were the persons negotiating with Plymouth to purchase what was called the “Sepecan” grant which was the land that became Rochester. While transcribing these papers, he noted that the first meeting to discuss this purchase was held in Plymouth on July 22, 1679. Luce then called this date to the attention of authorities and recommended that a Bicentennial celebration should be held on July 22, 1879.

            This suggestion galvanized the towns to pass warrants and to begin planning for a day of commemoration. Each town: Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett and Wareham formed committees to plan for the event. Then the committees from the 4 towns met in Marion on April 21,1879 and Capt. Benjamin F. Gibbs of Wareham was chosen to be Chairman, Augustine W. Bisbee of Rochester chosen as Secretary, Capt. I.N. Hathaway of Marion was picked to be Treasurer. It was truly a multitown effort. Sub committees were formed. They were: Solicit Funds, Dinner, Grounds, Martial music, Guests, Reception, Procession, Transportation, Vocal Music, Printing, Decorations, Police, General Committee, Seats and Tables.

            They then appointed Officers of the Day

President, Gerard C. Tobey of Wareham

Vice Pres., William Barstow, Esq. of Marion

Chief Marshall, George Purrington Jr. of Mattapoisett

Toastmaster, Rev. H.C. Vose of Marion

Chaplain, Rev. William Leonard of North Rochester

            Invitations were sent to local and state dignitaries, arrangements were made with the Old Colony Railroad for extra trains to be added and reduced fares to be offered. A New Bedford firm was hired to provide the dinner. It took 9 meetings that were “characterized by harmony and unanimity” to complete the planning.

            Weather cooperated on the day of the celebration which began with a procession to Handy’s Grove (the selected site) in Marion. The Grove had been decorated with greenery, flags and banners. The festivities began at noon. The Middleboro Brass Band played “an olio of National airs” and a choir of 50 people sang “Auld Lang Syne”. Then the Rev. Leonard read the 8th chapter of Deuteronomy in which God promises his “blessings to those who serve him and the curse on those who neglect to do so”. He then offered a prayer.

            Next a welcome address was given by the President of the Committee. It was followed by the main speech called an “Oration” and presented by Noble Warren Everett of Wareham. This speech began with the landing of the Mayflower, progressed through all of the wars in which men of the town fought and ended with thoughts of the future and wonders yet to come. This oration takes up 55 pages in the 5×9 book published for the Bicentennial.

            Dinner, a clambake, was then served. After dinner, the speeches resumed at about 3:00 in the afternoon with the Toastmaster introducing 11 Speakers. At the conclusion of these “Sentiments and Responses”, the approximately 6000 people in attendance joined the choir in singing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” and the day of celebration ended. I’m impressed with the planning that took place in a relatively short time, as well as with the patience and stamina of the attendees. I also wonder how long it took that many attendees to leave the grove and head home.

MATTREC Spring Offerings

on

Mattapoisett Recreation has many spring offerings. Online registration is open for the following programs: Youth & Adult Pickleball lessons, Tennis lessons, Track & Running Club and Babysitting & Home Alone Workshops.

            Space is limited, so sign up today on our website www.mattrec.net

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

April Vacation Week: Visit the library all week for outdoor lawn games, make a miniature library craft, and more. Visit for story time on April 21 at 10:30 for a special visit from the Excellent Family to read stories celebrating Autism Awareness Month and Art Month at the Library. Participate in the SAILS road trip, visit local libraries to see their unique offerings and get your library passport stamped.

            Lego Club Tuesdays at 4 pm – Our Lego Club is back. All kids are welcome to join us for some open-ended play time. Create your masterpiece.

            Banned Book Club Tuesday April 25 at 6:30. This month the banned Book Club is reading Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison, described as a vibrant coming of age novel and a sharp commentary on class. Copies are available to check out at the library.

            Coping with the Loss of a Pet Program April 27 at 6:30-7:30. Join us in welcoming Susan Holt, DVM, and Veterinary Chaplain Kelly Drescher Johnson, B.A., M.Div., to speak about coping with the loss of a pet, and provide helpful strategies and resources for people mourning an animal companion. Local pet photographer Jennifer Carroll will discuss her involvement with The Tilly Project, an end-of life pet photography network which connects pet owners with photographers, and provides supportive resources for photography, anticipatory grief, and pet loss. Admission is free. Seating is limited, so please call to register, or sign up at the library.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

Restoration Plan Considered Insufficient

on

Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday night learned its year-long dispute with 89 Box Turtle Drive owner Doug Rose over clearing land too close to wetlands without a permit is a step closer to being resolved.

            A restoration plan has been submitted, but the board said it isn’t enough. Chairman Christopher Gerrior said the town has received a “90 percent completion plan.” He complained that what the board really needs is a formal Notice of Intent to do the work, along with a final restoration plan, a narrative of that plan and a notice to abutters of the plan.

            All of these requirements were in the motion the panel approved to resume fining Rose until these conditions are met.

            Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly said fining Rose hadn’t started yet because his lawyer had promised to deliver a plan by the next day and had done so. Member Ben Bailey said the plan the lawyer handed in is not detailed enough, and the other board members agreed. The resulting vote to start fining Rose again was unanimous.

            A year ago, the board voted to begin delivering “non-criminal enforcement tickets,” fining the property owner on a climbing scale of $50, then $100, then $300 per day. The property owner’s wetland-code violations involve working closer than 25 feet from wetlands without a permit. This vote came after the board asked the property owner to file a restoration plan with erosion and sedimentation controls in late July 2022.

            The meeting began with a Negative Determination of Applicability for a plan at 228 Mary’s Pond Road to install a new leaching field with a portion of it and 62 feet of effluent pipe within a wetlands buffer zone, a decision that the work will not affect wetlands.

            The board then approved the Certificate of Compliance for the construction of a new home, private well, septic system and private dock at 417 Mary’s Pond. The project’s representative, Rick Charon of Charon Associates, admitted that this project started too soon. But since then, everything has been done right, he reported.

            The dock itself sparked the most discussion. Gerrior instructed Charon to consult with the property owners on whether they are working on obtaining a Chapter 91 License for the dock, a permit required for any structure being built in water.

            The board next approved a Notice of Intent to build a seasonal aluminum rolling dock at 536 Snipatuit Road. Here, too, the board recommended that the petitioner’s representative look into getting a Chapter 91 License for the dock.

            In other action, the board reappointed John Divorski as its representative on the Soil Board. Divorski is a former Conservation Commission member who is now a full member of the Soil panel, Bailey explained.

            Bailey received approval to send the Select Board members a letter requesting their support of a hydrological study of the waterflow at Snipatuit Pond.

            A flow gauge would be installed with ARPA funds totaling $20,000. Bailey explained the decades-old agreement that gives New Bedford full access to Rochester is based on a withdrawal from Great Quittacas. More data will tell experts if that’s actually water also flowing from Snipatuit into Quittacas, data which could change the agreement, possibly in Rochester’s favor.

            The Rochester Conservation Commission will next meet on Tuesday, May 2, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Rochester Memorial Day Boat and Kayak Race

on

The Rochester Fire Department will again sponsor the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race. The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race on the Mattapoisett River will take place on Monday, May 29, starting at 8:30 am at Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir, Snipatuit Road, in Rochester and finishing at the Mattapoisett Herring Weir at River Road and Route 6.

            A Kayak Division will be included in the race this year. Basic guidelines for the division are: minimum age 18, single person kayak that the contestant can sit inside of the cockpit, contestant must wear an approved USCG personal flotation device for the entire race, and there will be a $10 entry fee. See the rules document for all information pertaining to the kayak division.

            For the Mattapoisett River Racer (MRR) boats, the minimum age for contestants is seven years old on Memorial Day. There will be two persons to a boat. The boat must be a homemade river racer design of any material you choose. There are no limitations or restrictions on types of paddles.

            Divisions include the new kayak division and the MRR open/men’s, women’s, junior boys, junior girls, co-ed and parent/child divisions. Junior division teams are both contestants under 14 years old. Parent/child is for a parent with his/her child (child under 14 years old) or an adult (25 or older) with a child (child under 14 years old.) Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in each division.

            Pre-registration is required. Only one registration session will be held at the Rochester Council on Aging (RCOA) Senior Center, 67 Dexter’s LN Friday, May 19, 6:30 – 8:00. Starting positions will be assigned or drawn after the registration closes. A signed registration form must be submitted by each contestant for a team to be eligible for a starting position. Registration forms and rules may be obtained at Lloyd’s Market, at Art’s house, 319 Cushman Road or at the registration session. OR email Art (artbenner@comcast.net) and request the rules and registration form.

            You may deliver the completed forms to 319 Cushman Road. Or, you may return the forms by email but you must bring the original, signed forms, to the registration session. OR, you may return them by regular mail (USPS.) If returned by email or USPS mail, you’ll get acknowledgement that they were received. If you don’t get a reply from Art, assume the forms were not received and hand deliver a set. Registration forms must be in the Committee’s hands by Friday, May 19, 8:00 pm in order for last year’s teams to be assigned a starting position based on last year’s finish position or for new teams to draw a starting position this year. Kayak contestants will draw starting positions after the MRRs.

            The traditional Ham and Bean Supper will take place at the RCOA, Senior Center at, 67 Dexter’s Lane, Saturday, May 27, 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

            There will be raffles for two carbon fiber racing paddles made by Bill Watling III and a silent auction for two carbon fiber paddles. Tickets will be sold at the registration session and at the Ham & Bean supper. The winners will be drawn at the supper.

            For further information contact Boat Race Chairman, Arthur F. Benner, 508-763-2024 or email; artbenner@comcast.net. Check Facebook ‘Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race’ for updated info.

Rochester Historical Society Dedication

on

On May 7 at 2:00, the Rochester Historical Commission, in conjunction with the Rochester Historical Society, will be holding a dedication ceremony for the recently created Revolutionary War Memorial. The event will take place in front of Town Hall. There will be a march from the Muster Field including the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts Fife and Drum, flags carried by local Boy Scouts, and an Honor Guard led by the Wareham Militia and Minutemen. At the site of the Memorial, we will have two brief speeches, the reading of names of families who sent soldiers to fight, and an Honor Salute. Refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to come to honor the men who fought for our independence over 240 yrs. ago.

Nip Bottles

on

To the Editor

            The annual Mattapoisett town meeting approaches and this gathering will afford us all an opportunity to remedy the serious litter problem and public nuisance that has long accompanied the sale of nips. A warrant article will ask voters to ban the sale of these miniature liquor bottles which, as we all know, litter our roadways and parks, clog our storm drains and wash ashore on our beaches. These pesky plastic bottles are not biodegradable, and they do not get recycled. The sheer numbers we can all see littering the ground are simply mind-boggling, chiefly because the vast majority are flung from the windows of passing cars whose operators are fully conscious of the need to conceal their actions. In proposing this ban I would challenge voters to name any benefit provided to our community by allowing the sale of these things. Imagine also for a moment that their sale was already prohibited in Mattapoisett and an attempt was put forward to overturn the ban. What argument could be advanced to support that proposal when weighed against the ugly reality that we currently experience from their presence? Apart from the huge litter problem, permitting the sale of nips simply facilitates drinking and driving and the scale of that is disturbing, judging by the volume of discards. The plain truth is that these nips negatively impact our community and quality of life. This is not just a local problem. More and more communities are moving on this, with bans already in effect in cities and towns nationwide, including Chicago and Albuquerque. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have acted as have Wareham, Falmouth and Mashpee. We can do it too. It will require a two-thirds majority to pass and I would urge all voters who care about our town to attend town meeting on May 8 and cast a vote for a better Mattapoisett.

Don Cuddy, Mattapoisett

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Hard Armoring Proposed at Goodspeed Island

on

            During the April 10 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission, David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., presented a proposal for the owners of 1 Goodspeed Island who seek hard armoring of the site’s crumbling coastline.

            Davignon explained that winter storms have destroyed a less environmentally intrusive method of protecting the shoreline, one that employed organic materials and root systems of grasses to hold the bank in place. On Monday night, the homeowners sought a more permanent solution. Davignon said they are seeking guidance on the possibility of using a rip-rap wall of stone to create a seawall. The commissioners weren’t sure the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection would grant permission for a seawall, given that coastal erosion might just be the price paid for property along the coastline.

            The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes on their website, “Coastal erosion — the loss of shoreline sediment — is a complex process that continuously reshapes the shoreline and can threaten coastal property. Coastal managers and property owners often attempt to stabilize coastal land and protect residential and commercial infrastructure along the coast by building shoreline-armoring structures to hold back the sea and prevent the loss of sediment. Examples of such structures are seawalls, breakwaters and rip-rap embankments.

            Shoreline armoring has both beneficial and detrimental effects. Armored shorelines can prevent sandy beaches, wetlands and other intertidal areas from moving inland as the land erodes or sea levels rise, but they also have the potential to eliminate habitat for marine organisms and beach front for the public by restricting the natural movement of sediments. The key to shoreline stabilization, if it is required, is to use a site-specific stabilization method that balances the needs of the public and the needs of the natural system.

            Consulting environmental agent Brandon Faneuf suggested he have a discussion on the conceptual seawall, hard armoring proposal with the DEP and return with comments at a later date.

            Nathan Collins of Next Grid solar came before the commission to discuss site conditions at the Bowman Road array that Faneuf had recently called “the worst” solar array he had ever seen.

            Next Grid is seeking a Certificate of Compliance on a parcel adjacent to the developed solar array for the purposes of residential development. Collins told the commissioners that a checklist of issues received months ago had been addressed. The commissioners plan a site visit before taking further action or entertaining the requested Certificate of Compliance.

            A Notice of Intent filed by Quinn Henshaw for the removal of trees for future property development located off Prospect Road at Chesapeake Run was conditioned. A Request for Determination of Applicability, 2 Dupont Drive, for a new septic system for an existing three-bedroom home received a negative decision. A three-year extension to an Order of Conditions was granted to James and Sharlene Craig for property located on Aucoot Road.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, April 24, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Rochester Historical Society Events

on

Don’t forget to join us on April 19 at 7 pm at the Museum at 355 County Road for Rochester’s Past Celebrations.

            May 7 at 2:00 in front of Town Hall where we will be joining the Rochester Historical Commission in dedicating our town’s new Revolutionary War Memorial.

Mattapoisett Prepares for Town Meeting

on

            With just a few weeks to go until the May 8 Annual Town Meeting takes place in Mattapoisett, the Finance Committee and financial offices in Town Hall continued their review of the FY24 budget on April 6.

            Giving a summary report to the committee was Town Administrator Mike Lorenco. At the top of the summary list was the town budget coming in at 3.1% over last year or $967,674 for a total of $31,686,847.

            Lorenco commented that this figure is “the lowest levy increase in total dollars since 2015.” He stated that the figure includes savings for such expenses as $160,000 for the School Stabilization Account and $175,000 for the town’s OPEB liability. Another cost-savings strategy is lowering the reliance on available funds by using the Ambulance Revolving Fund and the Capital Debt Stabilization Fund both by $50,000.

            Under the title of Investments in the Budget, Lorenco called out increases in both the Fire and Police Department budgets.

            Coming in at 9.6% over FY23 or $80,053, the explanation for the increase included the need for a third staff member during morning shifts for public-safety reasons. Equipment and clothing costs were also mentioned.

            The Police/Paramedic budget rose 3.71% or $94,000. The increase represents union contract increases and leaving room for leadership promotions under the chief. The Paramedic budget also climbed by $44,000 or 9.75%.

            At least one new staff position impacting the General Government sector by $8,220 will be in the Assessing Department, while the still vacant Planner/Conservation Agent at $44,700 will remain in the budget as the Select Board continues to try and fill that slot.

            New to the Town Hall is a Human Resources director. The town has had a benefits coordinator in the past but never a Human Resources professional. Lorenco said the position’s salary is pegged at $70,000.

            The Council on Aging is looking to add one, part-time staffer to assist with community outreach and other programs for $20,930.

            Healthcare costs are up $97,280 or 4%, which includes a small buffer for unanticipated increases in FY24.

            The retirement contribution calculated by the Plymouth County Retirement Board is up 10.50% or $169,516. The figure is based on actuarial studies with full funding mandated by 2029.

            Some of the Capital Requests planned for the voters’ consideration are $170,000 new backhoe/loader, $250,000 roadway repairs and improvements and one police cruiser $50,000. Not to be forgotten is $1,437,000 in Debt Exclusions for the Oakland and Pearl Street roadway improvements.

            School budgets stand at local schools $7,845,807, Old Rochester Regional $6,353,695 (down $34,191) and Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School $852,328 (down $23,391.)

            On Thursday, April 20, the Mattapoisett Finance Committee will meet with the Select Board in a public meeting to review the budget in its entirety one more time.

Mattapoisett Finance Committee

By Marilou Newell